At Miss World 2025, 112 contestants showcased breathtaking outfits, each embodying rich cultural roots and creative craftsmanship. Among them, Ugandan contestant Natasha Nyonyozi set herself apart with a gown that captivated global audiences. Dubbed ‘Ikamba,’ the gown was designed by Tanga Design, a celebrated fashion icon from Rwanda known for his innovative designs blending tradition with modernity.
Initially designed in 2020, the gown was meant for the top-three finalists of Miss Rwanda but remained unworn due to unforeseen circumstances. Later, it was anticipated that Miss Nishimwe Naomie would wear it during Miss World 2021, but these plans also did not materialize. The gown finally made a stunning debut this year as Nyonyozi wore it for the World Designer Fashion Award segment at Miss World 2025, bringing its story to life.
Nyonyozi chose this gown for its stunning design and meaningful connection to her Ugandan heritage. She shared, “My World Designer dress is the work of Tanga Design. It embodies the southwestern Uganda region and Rwanda's iconic Umushanana attire, reflecting the cultural threads that bind our nations. This gown is a celebration of Ugandan and Rwandan cultures, masterfully integrating modern fashion with a deep sense of history, highlighted by the Ibyanganga crown—a symbol of pride and royalty.”
Renowned Rwandan designer Tanga Design is a visionary in the fashion industry, collaborating with prominent figures such as artists Bwiza and Butera Knowless, and beauty queens like Nishimwe Naomie and Muheto Divine. He has also gained international recognition, having designed for the global superstar John Legend during his Kigali performance. Tanga’s work represents the global reach and cultural pride of Rwandan artistry.
Despite Rwanda's absence from Miss World since 2022 due to a suspension of beauty pageants, its artistry continues to garner worldwide attention through fashion, music, and creative works. Nyonyozi's choice of a Rwandan-crafted gown not only highlighted her individuality but also underscored the global impact of African heritage and design.
This year marked the 72nd edition of Miss World, concluding on May 31, 2025, in India—a nation hosting the competition for the third time, following events in 1996 and 2024. Among the 112 participants, Angola’s Núria Assis stood out as the oldest contestant, while 17-year-olds Marija Mišurova from Latvia and Khisa Khin from Myanmar were the youngest competitors.
The competition also saw the resurgence of nations like Albania, Armenia, Equatorial Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Suriname, and Zambia, while countries such as Costa Rica, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Lesotho, Liberia, Macau, Morocco, Norway, Slovakia, Tanzania, and Uruguay withdrew. Crowds are eagerly awaiting who will inherit the Miss World crown from last year’s winner, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.
Natasha Nyonyozi represents Uganda at Miss World 2025 and mesmerized the audience with her cultural gown
Nyonyozi’s breathtaking gown, created by Rwandan designer Tanga Design, resonated deeply during the World Designer Fashion Shoot
The gown represented a symbolic connection between Uganda and Rwanda, reflecting the harmony of their shared history.
Representing Mexico.
Maryely Leal.
Representing Guyana with this breathtaking gown.
Valeeria Peerez of Puerto Rico.
Representing Kyrgyzstan in a culturally meaningful outfit.
[Further dazzling cultural and modern designs showcased by contestants continue in the gallery...]